You give your all to your loved ones everyday as a caregiver. You spend all your energy taking care of them and making sure they’re comfortable and happy. But what about you? What about your wellbeing? Your mental health? What can you do, as a caregiver, to support your own mental health?

Caregiving can be difficult. Many caregivers don’t realise they’re suffering which can lead to a  downwards spiral of mental health and leading towards burnout. More than 60% of caregivers experience burnout. Thankfully, there are a few ways to support yourself.

Therapy

Therapists provide a safe place to voice your concerns and feelings regarding the stress of caring for a loved one. They can also provide you with tips and strategies to help you cope with stress and better manage your mental health challenges that come from being a caregiver.  

Have Time for Yourself

You might feel like taking time for yourself is selfish, but it’s not. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and just like a battery needs to be recharged, so do you. Don’t feel guilty about stepping away for a few minutes to catch your breath and take some time for self care. It will greatly improve your mental health. To be able to do this, sometimes you have to be able to ask for help.

Ask for Help

Asking for or receiving help can be hard. Often caregivers can feel a sense of guilt for not feeling like they can manage on their own. You might not also want to share the burden with anyone else, but don’t let that stop you. People often won’t know you need help unless you ask. Don’t wait for things to overwhelm you before it’s too late. Reach out to someone.

Health Body, Healthy Mind

As a caregiver, you work day in and day out to take care of your loved one. Your body can’t keep up with you if you aren’t taking care of it, and when the body suffers, so does the mind. Proper nutrition, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and regular exercise are all important in keeping your body and mind healthy.

Find Resources

Tap into the many resources that are available.  Carefor offers programs for both caregivers and their loved ones. The Adult Day Programs in Carling, Finch, and at Perley Health can be the perfect place for a loved one with dementia to get out of the house and enjoy activities and exercise. What’s more, Carefor’s Let’s Get Together Club offers help to caregivers, giving them a break where they can make friends and connections.

Support Groups

In person and online support groups can be a great help. Carefor’s senior support centres in Eastern Counties also have caregiver support groups. You can contact the centre in your area to see what programs are available to you through the Caregiver Support page. You can also visit the Ontario Caregiver Organisation for more resources.

You are never alone and your feelings matter. If you’d like to learn more about the Let’s Get Together Club, please click here. To learn more about the Adult Day Programs, visit our website.

Caring for a loved one suffering from a neurological disease has always been challenging. However, in today’s world, there are more resources available than ever before that can help you prepare for whatever may come. From technology to in-home care to day programs, there are many options to help plan for the future.

Caregivers need resources to help the ones they look after. There are many places to find free training to broaden one’s knowledge and find more focused care information.

Online

YouTube and online websites are excellent places to find free information.

• Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care – a YouTube channel that has an extensive library of videos catered to helping both caregivers and their loved ones. Teepa provides a positive, informative, and easy to understand approach to caregiving.
• Dementia Careblazers – a YouTube channel run by Natali Edmonds who specializes in dementia tips, tricks, and strategies for caregivers supporting loved ones suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and more.
• The Dementia Society– an organization offering information and help to caregivers and people suffering from dementia and other neurological diseases in Ottawa and Renfrew County. They provide information, courses, and free events to help educate caregivers on dementia, planning for the future, brain health, and more.

In-Home

Carefor offers many well-trained, in-home, care staff such as nurses, personal support workers, and rehabilitation experts. Carefor’s services range from information to in-home help to recommendations for aids, all aimed to help both the caregiver and their loved one remain comfortable and happy.

Day Programs

Carefor offers invaluable programs for both caregivers and their loved ones. The Adult Dy Programs at Carling, the Perley, and Finch are places for caregivers to give their loved ones the chance to interact with kind, caring staff and make friends with other attendees. The Let’s Get Together Cub provides caregivers with support for their mental health and the chance to socialise and enjoy some leisure time.

For people living in West Ottawa there is also Richmond Care Home, a boutique retirement home for women living with dementia, which now offers daytime and overnight respite at a cost of $25 a day and $200 overnight. Learn more.

More information

There are countless places on the internet to find information or resources to help caregivers learn more about what their loved ones are going through and what to expect in the future. Knowledge is power, and arming yourself with as many resources and information as possible will help you face the future head-on.         

Carefor and Carefor Hospice Cornwall are very excited to welcome our new Fundraising Manager, Rhonda Simpson to our team. Rhonda was born and raised in Cornwall and is well known in the area as a passionate and skilled community builder having worked as the Senior Development Officer with the Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation, as well as with MacEwen, R.C. Holdings, and Morbern Inc. Additionally she has dedicated her time to the community volunteering with Kinsmen Cornwall Lift Off, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and numerous election campaigns.

Rhonda is passionate about fundraising and building community connections and is excited to bring her skills and commitment for community to Hospice Cornwall.  To Rhonda, Carefor Hospice Cornwall offers an important service to people going through an incredibly challenging time, and she is excited to bring her experience and ideas to help Hospice achieve its goals.

In her role, Rhonda is responsible for developing and hosting fundraising events and campaigns for Hospice and engaging with volunteers, partners, sponsors and those hosting third party events to help ensure that Hospice meets its fundraising goals to be able to continue to deliver essential end-of-life services to the people of our community.

Those who know Rhonda, know her to be enthusiastic, passionate, and kind and we are excited to have her join our team. In this role, Rhonda will be replacing Sandy Collette, Hospice’s first Fundraising Coordinator.

To speak with Rhonda about opportunities to work together, send her an email at rsimpson@carefor.ca

For low-income Canadians aged 65 or older, filing taxes on time is crucial. Tax returns determine eligibility for financial support programs like the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the GST rebate. Filing promptly ensures that you avoid unnecessary disruptions in payments.

Tax Credits That Can Help You Save

• Age Amount Credit: If you’re 65 or older by the end of 2024 and your net income is less than $102,925, this credit may reduce the income tax you owe. You can transfer all or part of the credit to your spouse or common-law partner. Read more
• Pension Income Amount Credit: Reporting eligible pension, superannuation, or annuity payments on your tax return could make you eligible for this credit. Note that Old Age Security (OAS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) benefits do not qualify for this credit. Read more
• Canada Caregiver Credit: If you’re supporting a family member with a disability or illness and they rely on you for essentials like food, clothing, and shelter, this credit may apply to you. Read more
• Disability Tax Credit: This credit helps reduce the tax burden for individuals with severe and prolonged physical or mental impairments. It also helps offset costs associated with the impairment. Family members who provide support may also be eligible. Read more
• Medical Expenses Credit: If your medical expenses exceed 3% of your net income or $2,759, you might be eligible for this credit. Expenses paid on behalf of a family member, as long as they weren’t reimbursed, may also be claimed. Read more
• Home Accessibility Expenses Credit: This credit supports home renovations that make the living space more accessible for seniors or people with disabilities. Read more
• Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit: This credit helps with the costs of creating a secondary suite to allow seniors or those eligible for the disability tax credit to live with a family member. It can provide a refund of up to $7,500 for each eligible claim. Read more

For more details on other potential tax credits, visit the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) All deductions, credits, and expenses webpage.

Plan Ahead!

Sign up for direct deposit and file your taxes online with CRA’s NETFILE to avoid delays. Creating an account with the CRA’s My Account is the easiest way to access and manage your tax and benefit details.

SimpleFile

The CRA offers SimpleFile, a free, secure, and convenient service for those with straightforward tax situations. If you’ve been invited to use the service, filing your taxes has never been easier.

• SimpleFile by Phone: Use your phone’s keypad to file in just 5 to 10 minutes, without the need to speak with an agent.
• SimpleFile Digital: File online from your computer or mobile device in 20 minutes or less.

Did You Retire or Turn 65 in 2024?

Visit the CRA’s Taxes When You Retire or Turn 65 webpage for helpful information on what income to report, how to reduce taxes, and how retirement may impact your tax situation.

Need Help?

If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, volunteers in your community or online may assist with your tax filing. Find a free tax clinic near you.

For additional tax tips for seniors, visit the CRA’s tax tips for older adults.

Stay Informed

• Follow the Seniors in Canada Facebook page
• Sign up for the Minister of Seniors’ monthly newsletter

We encourage you to file your taxes as soon as possible!

*Adapted from the Ministry of Employment and Social Development Canada

Everything is online now. Banking, messaging, shopping. It’s easy to forget that the online world isn’t always a safe place. Scammers and viruses can come from the most unexpected places, so here’s a few tips to follow to keep you and your loved ones safe while online.

1. Research
   
   The most important thing to do is research. Always make sure the website you’re using is genuine. You don’t want to accidentally give out sensitive information to a scam website.  You can check if the site you’re on is trustworthy by looking at the address in the top bar. The https:// should have the “s” that shows it’s safe. There can also be a small padlock icon to indicate the site is secure before the https://.
   
   
2. Don’t Give Out Personal Information
   
   Next, never give out your personal information to someone you don’t know. Scammers can be clever and they will try and persuade you that they’re a legitimate company. Unless you know or trust the site, never give out your personal information, especially your credit card number.
   
   
3. Don’t Click on Links from an Unknown Email Address
   
   You should  never click on links or open attachments from unfamiliar email addresses. Unless you know the sender, or you are expecting something, don’t click the link or open anything because there could be a virus or spyware that will harm your computer or device and steal your information. You should always know who the sender is before you click a link or open something.
   
   
4. Don’t Click on Pop-Up Windows
   
   Never click on pop-up windows on your computer or devices. They can lead to dangerous websites that can give your electronic device a virus. These windows can also claim your computer is infected with a virus. Be aware that no legitimate company will ever tell you that your computer has a virus.
   
   
5. Have a Multi-Step Login Process
   
   When creating any kind of online account, you should use a multi-step process and create a strong password. Some of the login steps can include having a confirmation email sent out, or a code texted to your phone. Most importantly, you want to have a strong password. You can always write down your password on a piece of paper that you keep in a safe place if you have troubling remembering it.
   
   
6. If Your Device Has a Virus, Ask Someone Trustworthy for Help
   
   If you suspect your computer or device is infected with a virus, never allow someone to access it remotely. Take your device to a local technician or call and have a trusted tech expert look at it for you.
   
7. Make a Checklist
   
   It can be hard to keep up with so many things to watch out for online. Making a checklist you look at every time you receive a suspicious email or enter an unknown website can help you and your loved ones avoid scammers and viruses.

Retirement can be more stressful than you think. You might be wondering how you can stretch your money so you can still enjoy all the things life has to offer. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy ways to do this.

1. Research Your Insurance Company

One of the first things you can do is look into your insurance company. Are they giving you the best deal you can get? Not all insurances companies are right for the job of managing your house and car expenses. Finding the one that’s right for you may help you reduce what you spend.

2. Create a Financial Plan

Another way to save money is to create a financial plan. A plan will help you manage what you have and how to make it work from month to month. The plan can also help you prepare for the future and manage your investments, insurance needs, and taxes. The Government of Canada offers an income calculator that will help you start the process.

3. Use Your Senior Discount

A senior discount is another great way to stretch your budget. From stores to public transportation, you can use it to get a lower cost for the same quality service. Most places in Ottawa accept a seniors discount for anyone 50 and older.

4. Look for Sales and Deals

Not only is a discount handy, but keeping an eye on sales is also a great way to save your money. Watch out for sales in grocery stores, drug stores, and retail stores to get more for less on groceries, toiletries, gifts, and electronics. You can also keep an eye on gas prices and find places with the cheapest gas near you.

5. Switch to Streaming

In a time where most things are available on streaming services, it might be a good idea to cut your cable. You can spend too much money on a service that you only use to watch one or two channels. Many streaming services offer hundreds of shows and live coverage of sports and events for a lower cost. Switching to one of these streaming services is another way to save money while still being able to watch your favourite team.

6. Consider Moving to a Carefor Home

Last but not least, you  can always find a home with the Carefor Civic Complex or Carefor Mackay Centre. They are affordable retirement homes in the Ottawa Valley where you can spend your time doing what you love without worrying about cost. They offer a place for low-income seniors to live when they can’t live at home. To learn more, visit carefor.ca/services/retirement-living/

Managing your money doesn’t have to be stressful. By following just a few tips and tricks, or looking into one of Carefor’s retirement homes, you can greatly reduce your costs and find a way to live without worry.

Carefor is part of the Mesa Project which is led by The County of Renfrew to deal with Renfrew County’s current homelessness, mental health and substance use issues. The goal of the Mesa Project to help people in Renfrew County transition to secure housing while receiving wrap around supports to help them overcome substance use and mental health issues. The County of Renfrew has successfully applied for a HART (Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment) Hub which will be located in the vacant wing of the Mackay Centre to the left of the main entrance.

Carefor is one of many partners involved in the Mesa Project. Our role is strictly in the form of housing. Our staff will not provide any care to HART Hub residents who will live in their own secure section of Mackay. They will be supported by County of Renfrew employes or contracted staff. We are still waiting to learn more about the details of the project and will share them as they become available to us.

Renfrew County is dealing with significant issues related to homelessness, substance use and mental health challenges. For all our 100 plus years, Carefor is an organization that has stepped up to help our community’s most vulnerable. We have an opportunity through the resources available to us to be part of a project that will help people in need, as well as our community as a whole. We choose to help.

More information coming soon.

On March 4^th, Carefor is marking the first anniversary of launching its new Client Management System (CMS), Alayacare. This year has seen significant strides in improving both the efficiency of internal processes and the quality of care provided to clients.

One of the primary achievements of Alayacare has been the standardization of business processes across Carefor’s home and community care programs. “We’ve streamlined operations and moved from paper-based documentation to electronic records,” explained Amy Boudreau, Vice-President of People, Strategy, Performance, and Partnership. This transition has not only reduced administrative burdens but also enhanced the accuracy and accessibility of client data. Staff now have real-time access to information, allowing them to track client care activities and improve service delivery.

Another significant advantage of Alayacare is the ability to monitor staff locations, ensuring client safety and enabling more effective coordination. By knowing where staff are at any given moment, Carefor can ensure that the right care is provided when and where it’s needed. “This has had a direct impact on the safety of our clients,” Boudreau said, highlighting how the system improves the ability to respond promptly to client needs.

While the changes have been primarily internal, the long-term vision for Alayacare is to benefit clients directly. In the future, Carefor plans to reduce the time spent on documentation, allowing staff more time to focus on care delivery. “We’re not there yet, but as we become more comfortable with the system, we hope to streamline documentation further,” Boudreau shared.

A key feature of Alayacare is its ability to consolidate all client information into one platform, providing a 360-degree view of the services clients are receiving across various programs. This single client record enhances coordination and communication among different departments, from nursing to retirement homes. “Having all this information in one place allows for more efficient documentation and a clearer understanding of care plans and goals,” Boudreau noted.

Looking ahead, Carefor is working to expand Alayacare to its community support service programs and retirement homes, with a targeted launch by the end of May. This expansion will bring together the various services Carefor provides, ensuring even greater efficiency and care continuity.

In the longer term, the addition of features like a family portal and secure messaging will allow Carefor to engage more effectively with families and enhance overall communication. “We are building the foundations now to support these future enhancements,” said Boudreau.

While there’s still work to be done, the progress made with Alayacare in the past year represents a crucial step toward more efficient and effective care. As Carefor continues to refine and optimize the system, the focus will remain on removing obstacles to better care and providing clients with the attention they deserve.

Losing a spouse is one of the most painful experiences anyone can face. The grief can feel overwhelming, and adjusting to life without your partner can take time. While there is no “right” way to grieve, there are steps you can take to help navigate the difficult journey of moving on after such a significant loss.

1. Allow Yourself to Grieve It’s important to understand that grief is a natural and necessary process. There’s no set timeline for how long it should last, and emotions can come in waves. Allow yourself to feel sadness, anger, or even relief—whatever emotions arise are part of healing. Suppressing or denying your feelings can prolong the grief process, so embrace the emotional experience, even when it feels intense.

2. Seek Support Grieving is often isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to family and friends who can provide comfort and understanding. If you feel comfortable, consider joining a support group for people who have lost a spouse. Talking to others who are going through similar experiences can help you feel less alone and offer a sense of shared understanding.

3. Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health Grief can take a toll on your body and mind. Try to maintain a healthy routine by eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. Regular physical activity, even something as simple as walking, can boost your mood and help alleviate stress. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. Therapy or counseling can provide guidance as you cope with your emotions.

4. Create New Routines After the loss of a spouse, life can feel unrecognizable. It’s helpful to slowly establish new routines to regain a sense of normalcy. Take small steps, like finding new hobbies, re-engaging with old interests, or creating new daily practices that bring you comfort and purpose. This can provide a sense of control and healing as you adjust to your new reality.

5. Honour Their Memory Moving on doesn’t mean forgetting your spouse. Find meaningful ways to honour their memory, whether through creating a scrapbook, participating in a charity they supported, or continuing a tradition you shared. These acts can help you preserve the bond while allowing yourself to heal.

6. Be Patient with Yourself Moving on after losing a spouse is a long process that takes time. Be kind to yourself and understand that healing is not linear. Some days will be harder than others, but with time and support, the pain will lessen, and you will eventually find a new sense of peace and purpose in life.

While no one can truly replace a loved one, it’s possible to find hope and meaning again. By focusing on self-care, seeking support, and embracing new opportunities, you can begin to heal and move forward at your own pace.

February is host not only to World Cancer Day, but it is also Preventative Health Awareness Month. With these in mind, we want to take a look at the signs of cancer, a disease that 45% of Canadians will be diagnosed with at some point in their lives. 

Cancer is a complex disease with many forms, and its symptoms can vary widely depending on the type and stage of the illness. However, there are several warning signs that could indicate the presence of cancer. Recognizing these early signs can be crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment, potentially improving the prognosis. Here are some common warning signs to be aware of:

1. Unexplained Weight Loss Unintentional weight loss of 10 pounds or more without changing diet or exercise habits can be a significant sign of cancer. This weight loss can occur when the body starts to use more energy than usual or when cancer affects the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

2. Fatigue Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest can be a warning sign of various types of cancer. This symptom may be caused by the body’s response to the disease or the tumor itself affecting organs or bone marrow, leading to a lack of energy.

3. Pain Chronic or unexplained pain, especially pain that doesn’t go away or increases over time, can be a sign of cancer. For instance, persistent headaches or back pain could indicate brain or spinal cord tumors, while bone pain may be linked to bone cancer or cancers that spread to the bones.

4. Changes in Skin Appearance Any sudden or unusual changes in the skin, such as new moles, growths, or changes in existing moles, could indicate skin cancer. Skin cancer may also present as sores that do not heal or as changes in the color, shape, or size of a mole.

5. Unexplained Bleeding or Discharge Bleeding that occurs without an obvious cause should be taken seriously. Coughing up blood, blood in the stool, or unusual vaginal bleeding can all be signs of various cancers, such as lung, colon, or uterine cancer.

6. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness A persistent cough that lasts for weeks or a change in the voice, such as hoarseness, could be a sign of lung or throat cancer. If this symptom doesn’t improve over time, it warrants medical evaluation.

7. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits Long-term changes in bowel or bladder habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, blood in the urine, or difficulty urinating, could be signs of colorectal or bladder cancer.

8. Difficulty Swallowing Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of food being stuck in the throat can be a symptom of esophageal or throat cancer, especially if it persists.

It’s essential to understand that these symptoms alone do not necessarily mean cancer. Many of these signs can be associated with other health conditions. However, if you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and further tests to determine the cause. Early detection of cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

If you have any concerns, be sure to consult your physician. Carefor’s home care nurses offer supports to people diagnosed with cancer in the comfort and convenience of their own homes. To learn more, visit carefor.ca/programs/nursing/